A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
IX explained
The Marches attend a musical evening at Mrs.
What happens
The Marches attend a musical evening at Mrs. Horn's, where the Dryfoos sisters are also present, revealing social tensions and class differences. Mrs. March worries about her husband's motives in talking to Mela Dryfoos, while Margaret Vance tries to bridge the gap between the wealthy Dryfooses and her own circle. The chapter explores the awkwardness of social climbing and the moral compromises it entails.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
The party at Mrs. Horn's highlights the awkward integration of the newly rich Dryfooses into established society, with characters like March reflecting on the nature of social climbing.
Capitalism and Moral Compromise
Mrs. March's suspicion that Basil might truckle to the Dryfooses for professional gain underscores the moral compromises demanded by economic dependency.
Characters to notice
- Basil March
Engages in conversation with Mela Dryfoos at the party, prompting his wife's suspicion about his motives.
- Mrs. March
Worries that Basil's attentions to Mela are driven by self-interest related to Every Other Week.
- Margaret Vance
Hosts the party and tries to include the Dryfoos sisters, showing her philanthropic spirit and social idealism.
- Christine Dryfoos
Behaves with suspicion and bluntness toward Margaret Vance, revealing her social unease and pride.
- Mela Dryfoos
Enjoys the party and talks freely with March, displaying her lack of social refinement and her candid nature.
- Conrad Dryfoos
Feels like a martyr to his family and experiences a tumult of emotion after the party, reflecting his spiritual and idealistic nature.
Key passages
“I don't see how you could talk to that girl so long, Basil, and make her laugh so.”
Mrs. March questions why Basil spent so much time entertaining Mela Dryfoos.
Reveals Mrs. March's anxiety about Basil's motives and the social pressures of their position.
“Such people, people with their money, must of course be received sooner or later. You can't keep them out. Only, I believe I would rather let someone else begin with them.”
Mrs. Horn acknowledges the inevitability of accepting the wealthy Dryfooses into society but prefers not to be the first.
Illustrates the reluctant social acceptance of new money by the old elite.